COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids
As a member of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Elliott has stressed the value of early education compared to later incarceration. Elliott has attended press conferences, and written editorials stressing the need for adequate funding for Pre-K and Early Education. "we can't imprison our way out of the crime problem these days". Elliott said during a tour of the treasure house on Ash Street.
National Night Out
As a member of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Elliott has stressed the value of early education compared to later incarceration. Elliott has attended press conferences, and written editorials stressing the need for adequate funding for Pre-K and Early Education. "we can't imprison our way out of the crime problem these days". Elliott said during a tour of the treasure house on Ash Street.
Citizen Police Academy
Scranton started its first Citizen Police Academy to give residents and those interested in a career in law enforcement an inside look at what officers deal with on a daily basis. Students spend their time in the classroom hearing from members of the department speaking about the different aspects of policing and what the department has to offer; Patrol, Crime Scene Investigations, Arson, Bomb Unit, S.W.A.T and Criminal Investigations to name a few. The class ends with a chance to do a ride-along with an officer during a shift. The cost of the program was covered through a state grant.
Invest in Neighborboods
During my time as Chief, it was one of my top priorities to be active in community policing. There were many areas that the department focused on community policing over the years. With funding being an issue for a City that was identified as distressed and federal grants drying up, we were able to continue to keep officers assigned to our neighborhoods and focus on issues that were of concern to local residents. Some of the programs provided during my time as Chief are;
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Neighborhood patrols with officers patrolling on foot or bicycle throughout the City
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Working closely with the District Attorneys Office to provide officers, City Inspector and an Assistant District Attorney are assigned to a neighborhood where residents can meet with them to address concerns. These, Community Justice programs were provided in South Scranton, Pine Brook, Hill Section.
Invest in Neighborboods
When Elliott took over as Chief of Police a top priority was getting members of the department more involved in the community. One way in which this could happen was to improve the departments Crime Prevention Unit. Some of the improvements included
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Getting more involved in Neighborhood and Crime Watch by having officers attend monthly meetings
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Conducting Security Surveys for Commercial properties and give tips toward residential security
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Started the City's first ever Citizen Police Academy and Junior Police Academy for residents of Scranton
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Started Scranton first National Night Out to have community involvement and interaction with City residents. (Scranton was also awarded National Night Outs Rookie of the Year Award)
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K-9 Demonstrations
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Fingerprinting for background checks to local volunteers
Sports Official
Dave has been a sports official at the high school, collegiate and professional levels since 1989. He has officiated; Baseball (31 years), Basketball (27 years), Football (15 years) and Softball.
